Photo Gallery: Undefeated R.A. Long clinches league crown at Woodland
In Focus – Images and highlights from the Lumberjacks' 64-57 road win over the Beavers
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2A Prep Boys Basketball / The Full Report
WOODLAND — The R.A. Long boys basketball team clinched the 2A Greater St. Helens League title with a 64-57 win at Woodland, on Thursday, but the Lumberjacks aren’t a whole lot of celebrating just yet.
With their fourth 2A GSHL championship in the last six years now in the bag, just two games left in the regular season, R.A. Long remains both undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the state RPI metrics. But the goal from the start has been clearly stated for this bunch of Jacks.
Win the 2A GSHL title
Win the District title
Win the State title
You can probably add “Complete the school’s first-ever undefeated run through a regular season” to that list, because R.A. Long doesn’t intend to take its foot off the throttle from here to the finish line.
“I’m super proud of how we finished the game tonight,” RAL head coach Jeray Key said. “Total group effort. And I’m ready to keep this thing rolling one game at a time.”
And while Woodland was unable to register the upset it was not a night without its moments to remember for the home crowd. And chief among their accomplishments, the second-place Beavers proved that a blowout loss at R.A. Long earlier this season was an exception to their mode of operation, rather than the rule.
“We played really hard, against a team with a lot more experience, and a lot of skill. They are No.1 in the state for a reason,” Woodland head coach Justin Gabbard said. “A lot of respect for Coach Key and what he’ss doing over there.
“Im just grateful to be these guys coach, and to be from Woodland,” Gabbard continued. “Our community showed up tonight and the atmosphere was great. I hope we gave everyone something to be proud of.”
VIDEO: Wodland’s Jackson Gabbard (1) hits a fadeaway jumper. R.A. Long’s Jeff Rooklidge (5) misses a shot on the other end and then Woodland’s Dyrian McPoland (3) misses a layup before Cam Newsome (2) flips the court and scores a 3-pointer for the Lumberjacks in a 64-57 road win, Thursday. / Video by Benjamin Hendrickson for Blast Zone Media
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